Before we start, some considerations:
A beer lasts, on average, from three to six months, as is the case of Pilsen, for example. Some beers, on the other hand, calls for a period of maturation, as is the case, for example, of Barley Wines, Imperial Stouts, Strong Ales, Old Ales and Lambics.These beers will be our focus here.
Doing some research here and there, there are still some disagreements about the best way to store beer: standing or lying down, like in the case of beer closed with a cork.
In bottles of metal lid, never, i repeat NEVER leave the bottle lying horizontally. Beer getting in contact with the cap, and increase the area that can rust, can also earn an unpleasant metallic taste, which is sure to spoil the pleasure to you enjoy your beer.
In relation to beers closed with a cork, the “fight” is because there are two streams: some find that in this case, the beer must, just like wine, be kept lying.
The late Michael Jackson said that “unless it is sealed with a cork, the bottle should be kept upright and not lying” (Illustrated Guide Zahar: Beer. Edited by Michael Jackson. Rio de Janeiro: Jorge Zahar, 2009, p. 63 ). This is how the wines are stored. Keeping the bottle horizontally, you prevent the cork from drying, which would cause the air into the bottle, affecting the liquid inside.
On the other hand, other people, just like me, think that when you keep your beer upright, that decreases the exposed portion of beer, slowing the oxidation. Also, keeping the bottle upright, you ensure that any deposit of yeast concentrate only on the bottom of the bottle. A few beers will help you up, indicating the correct way to store them. This is against the label of a Chimay Grande Réserve, on the picture 1.
Notice the detail of the bottle lying down? It is forbidden!
Another thing you need to be careful when storing your beer is in relation to exposure to light and heat sources.
It is highly recommended that you store your beer in a cool area, away from sunlight, heat sources or products that may in any way transfer to your beer, other flavors, such as cleaning products. Is also important that the temperature does not vary, and there is no physical shock among the bottles.
Claudio, homebrewer from Castrum Brewery, told me that he keeps the beer in his wardrobe. “It’s a good place! Almost constant temperature and has almost no incidence of light.”
I also have no cellar, so I keep my beers here, on the picture 2.
Bottles upright, it´s a dark place, more or less constant temperature, ventilation, without daylight, without physical shock or undesirable aromas…
Well I hope these tips have been useful and see you on the next!